Cnephasia paterna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cnephasia paterna |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Genus: |
Cnephasia
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| Species: |
C. paterna
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| Binomial name | |
| Cnephasia paterna Philpott, 1926
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The Cnephasia paterna is a very special type of moth that belongs to the Tortricidae family. It is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. This unique moth is currently listed as Nationally Endangered by the Department of Conservation. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
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Discovering the Cnephasia paterna
This moth was first described by a scientist named Alfred Philpott in 1926. He studied a male moth collected by Stuart Lindsay a few years earlier. Another scientist, George Vernon Hudson, even drew a picture of this moth for his book in 1928.
Scientists are still working to understand how this moth fits in with other moths in its group. The original place where it was thought to be found, called Little River, might not be correct. The first moth specimen is kept safe at the Canterbury Museum.
What the Cnephasia paterna Looks Like
The Cnephasia paterna moth is about 21 millimeters (less than an inch) long. Its head and body are a mix of dark brown and reddish colors. Its wings are a leaden-brown color, covered with tiny black lines and some scattered reddish scales.
The moth has interesting patterns on its front wings. It has a strong, slanted band of yellow and red near the front edge. Another similar band is found closer to the middle of the wing. There are also some yellow and red spots near the tip of the wing, along with some faint white marks. Its back wings are grey with dark lines.
Where the Cnephasia paterna Lives
This moth is found only in the South Island of New Zealand. For a long time, only the first specimen was known. Then, in 2012, a scientist named Brian Patrick rediscovered the moth! He found it at a place called Saddle Hill on Banks Peninsula. This is still the only known place where this rare moth lives.
Its Home and Environment
The Cnephasia paterna moth was found on the south-eastern slopes of Saddle Hill. It lives at a high altitude, between 750 and 800 meters (about 2,460 to 2,625 feet) above sea level. It makes its home among a type of tall grass called snow tussock, specifically the Chionochloa rigida plant.
Life of the Cnephasia paterna
Scientists are still learning a lot about the life of this moth. We don't know much about its early life stages, like its caterpillars. However, it's thought that the caterpillars might live in silken tunnels. They likely complete their life cycle in about a year.
The adult moths usually appear in late autumn or early winter. The female moths of this species have short wings and cannot fly. This means they can't travel far from where they are born. The male moths, however, can fly and are quite fast! They are active during the day.
Protecting the Cnephasia paterna
Because it is so rare and found in only one small area, the Cnephasia paterna is classified as Nationally Endangered. This classification comes from the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means it needs special protection to make sure it doesn't disappear.
